Dear Friends, 

Over the summer, the Sunday lectionary readings from Matthew show Jesus calling followers and meeting the needs of those who sought him out. Compassion drives the ministry of Jesus. This week we read "When he [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" (Matthew 9:36). The description of "harassed and helpless" could easily describe much of what we see today. Anxiety from our instant response technology bombards us with images and messages. That same technology allows us to see corruption and injustice revealed. We are called to be compassionate in the midst of these things. I believe we do so by seeing beyond the slogans and appeals to choose one side or the other. We can look and see the opportunity to meet and serve Christ in the other. We can bring that compassion of Christ to those who are afraid, harassed, and without hope. 

I felt great hope as I gathered with many of you and more than 200 friends for the Justice Knox Celebration. In that space, there were many denominations and races represented. Our individual congregations worship differently and read scripture in various ways. We come together not to do "for" others, but to walk together for compassionate and just responses to serious problems in our community. At St. James I see us continue to serve our neighbors. It isn't always easy. Sometimes the compassionate thing is not to give whatever someone asks, but instead to call on their own agency and resourcefulness as we support them on that journey. Other times we offer a sandwich and encouraging words. Jesus calls on his disciples to see serving others as a way that we are meeting and serving Christ. 

I am excited as our renovation progresses. I am grateful that we have spaces that welcome those who are harassed and helpless. We offer community, hope, and compassion. We are the disciples of Christ living out the call to serve others. It isn't always easy or clear how to do that. We begin by seeing those around us as beloved children of God. Christ fills us with compassion (feeling with) to welcome each other. Your gifts of time, talent, and money help us show compassion as a community. I believe that Christ looks at us with compassion and invites us into a relationship that is healing and transformative. As we come to worship may we know ourselves empowered to go forth and share the compassionate love of Christ. 

Peace, 

John Mark